Hepatitis b virus dna polymerase and surface antigen variants and methods of using same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to agents and in particular nucleoside analogues. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B virus variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside analogues. The variants may also comprise corresponding mutations affecting immunological interactivity to viral surface components. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimes and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular hepatitis B virus variants. The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral variants to screen for agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to agents and in particular nucleoside analogues. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B virus variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside analogues. The variants may also comprise corresponding mutations affecting immunological interactivity to viral surface components. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimes and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular hepatitis B virus variants. The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral variants to screen for agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Bibliographic details of the publications numerically referred to in this specification are collected at the end of the description.

[0003] Specific mutations in an amino acid sequence are represented herein as “Xaa₁nXaa₂” where Xaa₁ is the original amino acid residue before mutation, n is the residue number and Xaa₂ is the mutant amino acid. The abbreviation “Xaa” may be the three letter or single letter (i.e. “X”) code. The amino acid residues for Hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase are numbered with the residue methionine in the motif Tyr Met Asp Asp (YMDD) being residue number 550.

[0004] Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause debilitating disease conditions and can lead to acute liver failure. HBV is a DNA virus which replicates via an RNA intermediate and utilizes reverse transcription in its replication strategy (1). The HBV genome is of a complex nature having a partially double stranded DNA structure with overlapping open reading frames encoding surface, core, polymerase and X genes. The complex nature of the HBV genome is represented in FIG. 1.

[0005] The presence of an HBV DNA polymerase has led to the proposition that nucleoside analogues could act as effective anti-viral agents. Examples of nucleoside analogues currently being tested are penciclovir and its oral form famciclovir [FAM] (2,3,4,5) and lamivudine [LAM] (6,7). Adefovir has also been shown to have effective anti-HBV activity in vitro.

[0006] Hepatitis, due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hepatitis B surface antigen positive (HBsAg+) patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT) (8-10). The underlying pathogenesis is related to the intense immunosuppression, during cytotoxic or immunosuppressive therapy, which enhances viral replication with a consequent increase in hepatocyte infection. Subsequent reconstitution with donors stem cells, together with the tapering down of the anti-graft-versus-host immunosuppressive agents, restore the immune function. This results in rapid destruction of infected hepatocytes (11). The outcome of allogeneic BMT is also affected by the HBV status of the donor (11). In fact, it has been shown that serological clearance of HBsAg in HBsAg+ recipients after allogeneic BMT was associated with engraftment of hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) positive marrow (12-17).

[0007] As stated above, FAM is the oral prodrug of penciclovir [9-(4-hydroxy-3-hydroxymethylbut-1-yl) guanine; BRL 39123], which was shown to inhibit hepadnavirus replication in both in vitro and in vivo studies (18-22). Recently, FAM and LAM ((−)-β-2′-deoxy-3′-thiacytidine or 3TC) have been used successfully to prevent/treat hepatitis related to HBV reactivation on withdrawal of chemotherapy/immunosuppression (23, 24) and to prevent HBV recurrence following orthotopic liver transplantation [OLT] (25-28).

[0008] Like LAM, FAM resistance in the post-OLT setting has been identified in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent subjects. The reported FAM polymerase mutations associated with “breakthrough” include G518E (29), V519L (30), G520C (29), P523L (30), L526M (30), L526V (31), T530S (29), V553I (32). Since the polymerase gene of HBV overlaps the envelope gene, mutations in the catalytic domain of the polymerase can affect the amino acid sequence of the envelope protein and vice versa. In particular, the genetic sequence for the neutralization domain of HBV known as the “a” determinant, which is found within the HBsAg and located between amino acids 99 and 169, actually overlaps the major catalytic regions of the viral polymerase protein and in particular domains A and B (33). In fact, V519L, V553I, G518E are associated with changes to the HBsAg of E164D, stop codon at 199 and E164K, respectively (30,32,33). Conversely, use of HBIG for prophylaxis against HBV recurrence after OLT was associated with variants in the HBsAg, which could have concomitant changes in the polymerase gene (34-36). In work leading up to the present invention, the inventors identified the selection of HBV variants in HBsAg positive recipients treated with FAM and/or LAM following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and post-OLT. In addition to the unique mutations in the HBV polymerase and HBsAg selected during treatment, there were a number of amino acid changes in some HBV isolates which were consistent with a change of HBV genotype in the predominant virus population.

[0009] In accordance with the present invention, the inventors have identified variants of HBV, selected following FAM and/or LAM treatment, with mutations in the HBV DNA polymerase gene which reduce the sensitivity of HBV to this nucleoside analogue. Corresponding mutations in the surface antigen also occur. The identification of these HBV variants is important for the development of assays to monitor FAM and/or LAM resistance and/or resistance to other nucleoside analogue therapeutic regimes and to screen for agents which are useful as alternative therapeutic agents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers.

[0011] Nucleotide and amino acid sequences are referred to by a sequence identifier number (SEQ ID NO:). The SEQ ID NOs: correspond numerically to the sequence identifiers <400>1, <400>2, etc. A sequence listing is provided after the claims.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention is directed to an isolated HBV variant wherein said variant comprises a nucleotide mutation in a gene encoding a DNA polymerase resulting in at least one amino acid addition, substitution and/or deletion to said DNA polymerase and wherein said variant exhibits decreased sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM and optionally other nucleoside analogues.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention provides an HBV variant comprising a mutation in an overlapping open reading frame in its genome wherein said mutation is in a region defined by one or more of domains F and A through E of HBV DNA polymerase and wherein said variant exhibits decreased sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM and optionally other nucleoside analogues.

[0014] Yet another aspect of the present invention provides an HBV variant comprising a mutation in the nucleotide sequence encoding a DNA polymerase resulting in an amino acid addition, substitution and/or deletion in said DNA polymerase in one or more amino acids as set forth in Formulae I and/or II:

Formula I

[0015] L, B₁, B₂, D, W, G, P, C, B₃, B₄, H, G, B₅, H, B₆, I, R, B₇, P, R, T, P, B₈, R, V, B₉, G, G, V, F, L, V, D, K, N, P, H, N, T, B₁₀, E, S, B₁₁, L, B₁₂, V, D, F, S, Q, F, S, R, G, B₁₃, B₁₄, B₁₅, V, S, W, P, K, F, A, V, P, N, L, B₁₆, S, L, T, N, L, L, S*

[0016] wherein:

[0017] B₁ is L, or R, or I

[0018] B₂ is E, or D

[0019] B₃ is T, or D, or A, or N, or Y

[0020] B₄ is E, or D

[0021] B₅ is E, or K, or Q

[0022] B₆ is H, or R, or N,

[0023] B₇ is I, or T

[0024] B₈ is A, or S

[0025] B₉ is T or R

[0026] B₁₀ is A, or T, or S

[0027] B₁₁ is R, or T

[0028] B₁₂ is V, or G

[0029] B₁₃ is S, or I, or T, or N, or V

[0030] B₁₄ is T, or S, or H, or Y

[0031] B₁₅ is R, or H, or K, or Q

[0032] B₁₆ is Q, or P;

[0033] and

Formula II

[0034] S Z₁ L S W L S L D V S A A F Y H Z₂ P L H P A A M P H L L Z₃ G S S G L Z₄ R Y V A R L S S Z₅ S Z₆ Z₇ X N Z₈ Q Z₉ Z₁₀ X X X Z₁₁ L H Z₁₂ Z₁₃ C S R Z₁₄ L Y V S K Z₁₅ L L Y Z₁₆ T Z₁₇ G Z₁₈ K L H L Z₁₉ Z₂₀ H P I Z₂₁ L G F R K Z₂₂ P M G Z₂₃ G L S P F L L A Q F T S A I Z₂₄ Z₂₅ Z₂₆ Z₂₇ Z₂₈ R A F Z₂₉ H C Z₃₀ Z₃₁ F Z₃₂ Y M* D D Z₃₃ V L G A Z₃₄ Z₃₅ Z₃₆ Z₃₇ H Z₃₈ E Z₃₉ L Z₄₀ Z₄₁ Z₄₂ Z₄₃ Z₄₄ Z₄₅ Z₄₆ L L Z₄₇ Z₄₈ G I H L N P Z₄₉ K T K R W G Y S L N F M G Y Z₅₀ I G

[0035] wherein:

[0036] X is any amino acid;

[0037] Z₁ is N or D;

[0038] Z₂ is I or P;

[0039] Z₃ is I or V;

[0040] Z₄ is S or D;

[0041] Z₅ is T or N;

[0042] Z₆ is R or N;

[0043] Z₇ is N or I;

[0044] Z₈ is N or Y or H;

[0045] Z₉ is H or Y;

[0046] Z₁₀ is G or R;

[0047] Z₁₁ is D or N;

[0048] Z₁₂ is D or N;

[0049] Z₁₃ is S or Y;

[0050] Z₁₄ is N or Q;

[0051] Z₁₅ is L or M;

[0052] Z₁₆ is K or Q;

[0053] Z₁₇ is Y or F;

[0054] Z₁₈ is R or W;

[0055] Z₁₉ is Y or L;

[0056] Z₂₀ is S or A;

[0057] Z₂₁ is I or V;

[0058] Z₂₂ is I or L;

[0059] Z₂₃ is V or G;

[0060] Z₂₄ is C or L;

[0061] Z₂₅ is A or S;

[0062] Z₂₆ is V or M;

[0063] Z₂₇ is V or T;

[0064] Z₂₈ is R or C;

[0065] Z₂₉ is F or P;

[0066] Z₃₀ is L or V;

[0067] Z₃₁ is A or V;

[0068] Z₃₂ is S or A;

[0069] Z₃₃ is V or L or M;

[0070] Z₃₄ is K or R;

[0071] Z₃₅ is S or T;

[0072] Z₃₆ is V or G;

[0073] Z₃₇ is Q or E;

[0074] Z₃₈ is L or S or R;

[0075] Z₃₉ is S or F;

[0076] Z₄₀ is F or Y;

[0077] Z₄₁ is T or A;

[0078] Z₄₂ is A or S;

[0079] Z₄₃ is V or I;

[0080] Z₄₄ is T or C;

[0081] Z₄₅ is N or S;

[0082] Z₄₆ is F or V;

[0083] Z₄₇ is S or D;

[0084] Z₄₈ is L or V;

[0085] Z₄₉ is N or Q;

[0086] Z₅₀ is V or I; and

[0087] M* is amino acid 550;

[0088] and wherein S* in Formula I is designated as amino acid 420 and the first S in Formula II is designated as amino acid 421;

[0089] and wherein said variant exhibits decreased sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM and optionally other nucleoside analogues.

[0090] Still another aspect of the present invention contemplates a method for determining the potential for an HBV to exhibit reduced sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM or optionally other nucleoside analogues, said method comprising isolating DNA or corresponding mRNA from said HBV and screening for a mutation in the nucleotide sequence encoding HBV DNA polymerase resulting in at least one amino acid substitution, deletion and/or addition in any one or more of domains F and A through B or a region proximal thereto of said DNA polymerase and associated with resistance or decreased sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM wherein the presence of such a mutation is an indication of the likelihood of resistance to said FAM and/or LAM.

[0091] Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a composition comprising a variant HBV resistant to FAM and/or LAM and optionally other nucleoside analogues or an HBV surface antigen from said variant HBV or a recombinant or derivative form thereof or its chemical equivalent and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or diluents.

[0092] Still yet another aspect of the present invention provides a use of a variant HBV wherein said variant comprises a nucleotide mutation in a gene encoding a DNA polymerase resulting in at least one amino acid addition, substitution and/or deletion to said DNA polymerase and a decreased sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM and optionally other nucleoside analogues in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of hepatitis.

[0093] Even yet another aspect, the invention contemplates a computer program product for assessing the likely usefulness of a viral variant or biological sample comprising same for determining an appropriate therapeutic protocol in a subject, said product comprising:

[0094] (1) code that receives as input I_(V)s for at least two features associated with said viral agents or biological sample comprising same, wherein said features are selected from:

[0095] (a) the ability to exhibit resistance for reduced sensitivity to a particular compound or immunological agent;

[0096] (b) an altered DNA polymerase from wild-type HBV;

[0097] (c) an altered surface antigen from wild-type HBV; or

[0098] (d) morbidity or recovery potential of a patient;

[0099] (2) code that adds said I_(V)s to provide a sum corresponding to a P_(V) for said viral variants or biological samples; and

[0100] (3) a computer readable medium that stores the codes.

[0101] In a related aspect, the invention extends to a computer for assessing the likely usefulness of a viral variant or biological sample comprising same in a subject, wherein said computer comprises:

[0102] (1) a machine-readable data storage medium comprising a data storage material encoded with machine-readable data, wherein said machine-readable data comprise I_(V)s for at least two features associated with said viral variant or biological sample; wherein said features are selected from:—

[0103] (a) the ability to exhibit resistance for reduced sensitivity to a particular compound or immunological agent;

[0104] (b) an altered DNA polymerase from wild-type HBV;

[0105] (c) an altered surface antigen from wild-type HBV; or

[0106] (d) morbidity or recovery potential of a patient;

[0107] (2) a working memory for storing instructions for processing said machine-readable data;

[0108] (3) a central-processing unit coupled to said working memory and to said machine-readable data storage medium, for processing said machine readable data to provide a sum of said I_(V)s corresponding to a P_(V) for said compound(s); and

[0109] (4) an output hardware coupled to said central processing unit, for receiving said P_(V).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0110]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation showing the partially double stranded DNA HBV genome showing the overlapping open reading frames encoding surface (S), core (C), polymerase (P) and X gene.

[0111]FIG. 2 is a representation showing conserved regions of domain A to E (underlined) of HBV. M in YMDD is designated amino acid number 550. The symbol “*” indicates greater than three amino acid possibilities at this position of the consensus sequence. The consensus sequence defining domain A is shown in Formula I of the subject specification.

[0112]FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a system used to carry out the instructions encoded by the storage medium.

[0113]FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of a magnetic storage medium.

[0114]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of an optically readable data storage system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0115] The present invention is predicated in part on the identification and isolation of nucleoside analogue resistant variants of HBV following treatment of patients with FAM and/or LAM and optionally other nucleoside analogues. In particular, FAM and/or LAM treated patients gave rise to variants of HBV exhibiting decreased or reduced sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM. Reference herein to “decreased” or “reduced” in relation to sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM includes and encompasses a complete or substantial resistance to the nucleoside analogue as well as partial resistance and includes a replication rate or replication efficiency which is more than a wild-type in the presence of a nucleoside analogue. In one aspect, this is conveniently measured by an increase in viral load to a level similar or greater than pre-treatment levels.

[0116] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is directed to an isolated HBV variant wherein said variant comprises a nucleotide mutation in a gene encoding a DNA polymerase resulting in at least one amino acid addition, substitution and/or deletion to said DNA polymerase and wherein said variant exhibits decreased sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM and optionally other nucleoside analogues.

[0117] In addition to a mutation in the gene encoding DNA polymerase, due to the overlapping nature of the HBV genome (FIG. 1), a corresponding mutation may also occur in the gene encoding the surface antigen (HBsAg) resulting in reduced interactivity of immunological reagents such as antibodies and immune cells to HBsAg. The reduction in the interactivity of immunological reagents to a viral surface component generally includes the absence of immunological memory to recognize or substantially recognize the viral surface component. The present invention extends, therefore, to an HBV variant exhibiting decreased sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM and reduced interactivity of an immunological reagent to HBsAg wherein the variant is selected for following FAM and/or LAM treatment.

[0118] A viral variant may, therefore, carry mutation only in the DNA polymerase or both in the DNA polymerase and the HBsAg. The term “mutation” is to be read in its broadest context and includes multiple mutations.

[0119] The present invention extends to a mutation and any domain of the HBV DNA polymerase and in particular regions F and A through E provided said mutation leads to decreased sensitivity to famciclovir. Region F of the HBV DNA polymerase is defined by the amino acid sequence set forth in Formula I below:

Formula I

[0120] L, B₁, B₂, D, W, G, P, C, B₃, B₄, H, G, B₅, H, B₆, I, R, B₇, P, R, T, P, B₈, R, V, B₉, G, G, V, F, L, V, D, K, N, P, H, N, T, B₁₀, E, S, B₁₁, L, B₁₂, V, D, F, S, Q, F, S, R, G, B₁₃, B₁₄, B₁₅, V, S, W, P, K, F, A, V, P, N, L, B₁₆, S, L, T, N, L, L, S*

[0121] wherein:

[0122] B₁ is L, or R, or I

[0123] B₂ is E, or D

[0124] B₃ is T, or D, or A, or N, or Y

[0125] B₄ is E, or D

[0126] B₅ is E, or K, or Q

[0127] B₆ is H, or R, or N,

[0128] B₇ is I, or T

[0129] B₈ is A, or S

[0130] B₉ is T or R

[0131] B₁₀ is A, or T, or S

[0132] B₁₁ is R, or T

[0133] B₁₂ is V, or G

[0134] B₁₃ is S, or I, or T, or N, or V

[0135] B₁₄ is T, or S, or H, or Y

[0136] B₁₅ is R, or H, or K, or Q

[0137] B₁₆ is Q, or P;

[0138] and wherein S* is designated as amino acid 420.

[0139] In this specification, reference is particularly made to the conserved regions as defined by Poch et al. (37) as domains A to E (see also reference 38). Regions A to E are defined by the amino acid sequence set forth in Formula II below:

Formula II

[0140] S Z₁ L S W L S L D V S A A F Y H Z₂ P L H P A A M P H L L Z₃ G S S G L Z₄ R Y V A R L S S Z₅ S Z₆ Z₇ X N Z₈ Q Z₉ Z₁₀ X X X Z₁₁ L H Z₁₂ Z₁₃ C S R Z₁₄ L Y V S L Z₁₅ L L Y Z₁₆ T Z₁₇ G Z₁₈ K L H L Z₁₉ Z₂₀ H P I Z₂₁ L G F R K Z₂₂ P M G Z₂₃ G L S P F L L A Q F T S A I Z₂₄ Z₂₅ Z₂₆ Z₂₇ Z₂₈ R A F Z₂₉ H C Z₃₀ Z₃₁ F Z₃₂ Y M* D D Z₃₃ V L G A Z₃₄ Z₃₅ Z₃₆ Z₃₇ H Z₃₈ E Z₃₉ L Z₄₀ Z₄₁ Z₄₂ Z₄₃ Z₄₄ Z₄₅ Z₄₆ L L Z₄₇ Z₄₈ G I H L N P Z₄₉ K T K R W G Y S L N F M G Y Z₅₀ I G

[0141] wherein:

[0142] X is any amino acid;

[0143] Z₁ is N or D;

[0144] Z₂ is I or P;

[0145] Z₃ is I or V;

[0146] Z₄ is S or D;

[0147] Z₅ is T or N;

[0148] Z₆ is R or N;

[0149] Z₇ is N or I;

[0150] Z₈ is N or Y or H;

[0151] Z₉ is H or Y;

[0152] Z₁₀ is G or R;

[0153] Z₁₁ is D or N;

[0154] Z₁₂ is D or N;

[0155] Z₁₃ is S or Y;

[0156] Z₁₄ is N or Q;

[0157] Z₁₅ is L or M;

[0158] Z₁₆ is K or Q;

[0159] Z₁₇ is Y or F;

[0160] Z₁₈ is R or W;

[0161] Z₁₉ is Y or L;

[0162] Z₂₀ is S or A;

[0163] Z₂₁ is I or V;

[0164] Z₂₂ is I or L;

[0165] Z₂₃ is V or G;

[0166] Z₂₄ is C or L;

[0167] Z₂₅ is A or S;

[0168] Z₂₆ is V or M;

[0169] Z₂₇ is V or T;

[0170] Z₂₈ is R or C;

[0171] Z₂₉ is F or P;

[0172] Z₃₀ is L or V;

[0173] Z₃₁ is A or V;

[0174] Z₃₂ is S or A;

[0175] Z₃₃ is V or L or M;

[0176] Z₃₄ is K or R;

[0177] Z₃₅ is S or T;

[0178] Z₃₆ is V or G;

[0179] Z₃₇ is Q or E;

[0180] Z₃₈ is L or S or R;

[0181] Z₃₉ is S or F;

[0182] Z₄₀ is F or Y;

[0183] Z₄₁ is T or A;

[0184] Z₄₂ is A or S;

[0185] Z₄₃ is V or I;

[0186] Z₄₄ is T or C;

[0187] Z₄₅ is N or S;

[0188] Z₄₆ is F or V;

[0189] Z₄₇ is S or D;

[0190] Z₄₈ is L or V;

[0191] Z₄₉ is N or Q;

[0192] Z₅₀ is V or I; and

[0193] M* is amino acid 550;

[0194] and wherein the first S is designated as amino acid 421.

[0195] Preferably, the mutation results in an altered amino acid sequence in any one or more of domains F (41) and A through E or regions proximal thereto of the HBV DNA polymerase.

[0196] Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention provides an HBV variant comprising a mutation in an overlapping open reading frame in its genome wherein said mutation is in a region defined by one or more of domains F and A through E of HBV DNA polymerase and wherein said variant exhibits decreased sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM and optionally other nucleoside analogues.

[0197] In a related embodiment, there is provided an HBV variant comprising a mutation in the nucleotide sequence encoding a DNA polymerase resulting in an amino acid addition, substitution and/or deletion in said DNA polymerase in one or more amino acids as set forth in Formulae I and/or II:

Formula I

[0198] L, B₁, B₂, D, W, G, P, C, B₃, B₄, H, G, B₅, H, B₆, I, R, B₇, P, R, T, P, B₈, R, V, B₉, G, G, V, F, L, V, D, K, N, P, H, N, T, B₁₀, E, S, B₁₁, L, B₁₂, V, D, F, S, Q, F, S, R, G, B₁₃, B₁₄, B₁₅, V, S, W, P, K, F, A, V, P, N, L, B₁₆, S, L, T, N, L, L, S*

[0199] wherein:

[0200] B₁ is L, or R, or I

[0201] B₂ is E, or D

[0202] B₃ is T, or D, or A, or N, or Y

[0203] B₄ is E, or D

[0204] B₅ is E, or K, or Q

[0205] B₆ is H, or R, or N,

[0206] B₇ is L or T

[0207] B₈ is A, or S

[0208] B₉ is T or R

[0209] B₁₀ is A, or T, or S

[0210] B₁₁ is R, or T

[0211] B₁₂ is V, or G

[0212] B₁₃ is S, or I, or T, or N, or V

[0213] B₁₄ is T, or S, or H, or Y

[0214] B₁₅ is R, or H, or K, or Q

[0215] B₁₆ is Q, or P;

[0216] and

Formula II

[0217] S Z₁ L S W L S L D V S A A F Y H Z₂ P L H P A A M P H L L Z₃ G S S G L Z₄ R Y V A R L S S Z₅ S Z₆ Z₇ X N Z₈ Q Z₉ Z₁₀ X X X Z₁₁ L H Z₁₂ Z₁₃ C S R Z₁₄ L Y V S L Z₁₅ L L Y Z₁₆ T Z₁₇ G Z₁₈ K L H L Z₁₉ Z₂₀ H P I Z₂₁ L G F R K Z₂₂ P M G Z₂₃ G L S P F L L A Q F T S A I Z₂₄ Z₂₅ Z₂₆ Z₂₇ Z₂₈ R A F Z₂₉ H C Z₃₀ Z₃₁ F Z₃₂ Y M* D D Z₃₃ V L G A Z₃₄ Z₃₅ Z₃₆ Z₃₇ H Z₃₈ E Z₃₉ L Z₄₀ Z₄₁ Z₄₂ Z₄₃ Z₄₄ Z₄₅ Z₄₆ L L Z₄₇ Z₄₈ G I H L N P Z₄₉ K T K R W G Y S L N F M G Y Z₅₀ I G

[0218] wherein:

[0219] X is any amino acid;

[0220] Z₁ is N or D;

[0221] Z₂ is I or P;

[0222] Z₃ is I or V;

[0223] Z₄ is S or D;

[0224] Z₅ is T or N;

[0225] Z₆ is R or N;

[0226] Z₇ is N or I;

[0227] Z₈ is N or Y or H;

[0228] Z₉ is H or Y;

[0229] Z₁₀ is G or R;

[0230] Z₁₁ is D or N;

[0231] Z₁₂ is D or N;

[0232] Z₁₃ is S or Y;

[0233] Z₁₄ is N or Q;

[0234] Z₁₅ is L or M;

[0235] Z₁₆ is K or Q;

[0236] Z₁₇ is Y or F;

[0237] Z₁₈ is R or W;

[0238] Z₁₉ is Y or L;

[0239] Z₂₀ is S or A;

[0240] Z₂₁ is I or V;

[0241] Z₂₂ is I or L;

[0242] Z₂₃ is V or G;

[0243] Z₂₄ is C or L;

[0244] Z₂₅ is A or S;

[0245] Z₂₆ is V or M;

[0246] Z₂₇ is V or T;

[0247] Z₂₈ is R or C;

[0248] Z₂₉ is F or P;

[0249] Z₃₀ is L or V;

[0250] Z₃₁ is A or V;

[0251] Z₃₂ is S or A;

[0252] Z₃₃ is V or L or M;

[0253] Z₃₄ is K or R;

[0254] Z₃₅ is S or T;

[0255] Z₃₆ is V or G;

[0256] Z₃₇ is Q or E;

[0257] Z₃₈ is L or S or R;

[0258] Z₃₉ is S or F;

[0259] Z₄₀ is F or Y;

[0260] Z₄₁ is T or A;

[0261] Z₄₂ is A or S;

[0262] Z₄₃ is V or I;

[0263] Z₄₄ is T or C;

[0264] Z₄₅ is N or S;

[0265] Z₄₆ is F or V;

[0266] Z₄₇ is S or D;

[0267] Z₄₈ is L or V;

[0268] Z₄₉ is N or Q;

[0269] Z₅₀ is V or I; and

[0270] M* is amino acid 550;

[0271] and wherein S* in Formula I is designated as amino acid 420 and the first S in Formula II is designated as amino acid 421;

[0272] and wherein said variant exhibits decreased sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM and optionally other nucleoside analogues.

[0273] Another preferred aspect of the present invention contemplates an HBV variant comprising a mutation in the nucleotide sequence encoding HBsAg resulting in an amino acid addition, substitution and/or deletion in said HBsAg in a region corresponding to the amino acid sequence set forth in Formulae I and II wherein said variant exhibits decreased sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM and optionally other nucleoside analogues.

[0274] Preferably, the variants are in isolated form such that they have undergone at least one purification step away from naturally occurring body fluid. Alternatively, the variants may be maintained in isolated body fluid or may be in DNA form. The present invention also contemplates infectious molecular clones comprising the genome or parts thereof from a variant HBV.

[0275] Preferred mutations in the HBV DNA polymerase include variants selected from patients with HBV recurrence following FAM and/or LAM treatment. Nucleoside analogue treatment may occur in relation to a transplantation procedure (e.g. bone marrow transplantation (BMT) or OLT) or following treatment of patients diagnosed with hepatitis. Following selection of variants, viral loads are obtainable at levels greater than pre-treatment levels.

[0276] Preferred mutations in the HBV DNA polymerase include one or more of Q471K, Q471N, Y472Q, T474A, L478L/M, N485H, Y487Y/STOP, V/G/E488L, L493L/W, F524F/L, I533I/V, V537I, S548G, S548S/C, N/S/H584T, N/S/H584A, H584S/I, R588R/S and I599A. The term “STOP” means a stop codon. Corresponding mutations may also occur in the surface antigen (i.e. HBsAg). Preferred HbsAg's include one or more of T118R, N131T, M133K/M, M133I, C139C/G and W182/STOP.

[0277] The identification of the variants of the present invention permits the generation of a range of assays to detect such variants. The detection of such variants may be important in identifying resistant variants to determine the appropriate form of chemotherapy and/or to monitor vaccination protocols, develop new or modified vaccine preparations.

[0278] Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention contemplates a method for determining the potential for an HBV to exhibit reduced sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM and optionally other nucleoside analogues, said method comprising isolating DNA or corresponding mRNA from said HBV and screening for a mutation in the nucleotide sequence encoding HBV DNA polymerase resulting in at least one amino acid substitution, deletion and/or addition in any one or more of domains F and A through E or a region proximal thereto of said DNA polymerase and associated with resistance or decreased sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM wherein the presence of such a mutation is an indication of the likelihood of resistance to said FAM and/or LAM and optionally other nucleoside analogues.

[0279] Preferably, the assay detects one or more of the following mutations in the HBV DNA polymerase: Q471K, Q471N, Y472Q, T474A, L478L/M, N485H, Y487Y/STOP, V/G/E488L, L493L/W, F524F/L, I533I/V, V537I, S548G, S548S/C, N/S/H584T, N/S/H584A, H584S/I, R588R/S and I599A.

[0280] The detection of HBV or its components in cells, cell lysates, cultured supernatant fluid and bodily fluid may be by any convenient means including any nucleic acid-based detection means, for example, by nucleic acid hybridization techniques or via one or more polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). The term “bodily fluid” includes any fluid derived from the blood, lymph, tissue or organ systems including serum, whole blood, biopsy and biopsy fluid, organ explants and organ suspension such as liver suspensions. The invention further encompasses the use of different assay formats of said nucleic acid-based detection means, including restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), single-strand chain polymorphism (SSCP), amplification and mismatch detection (AMD), interspersed repetitive sequence polymerase chain reaction (IRS-PCR), inverse polymerase chain reaction (iPCR) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), amongst others. Other forms of detection include Northern blots, Southern blots, PCR sequencing, antibody procedures such as ELISA, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. A particularly useful assay includes the reagents and components required for immobilized oligonucleotide- or oligopeptide-mediated detection systems.

[0281] Variants may also be detected with reference to the HBsAg. Preferred HBsAg mutations include one or more of T118R, N131T, M133K/M, M133I, C139C/G and W182/STOP.

[0282] The detection of amino acid variants of DNA polymerase is conveniently accomplished by reference to the consensus amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 2 and in Formulae I and II. The polymorphisms shown represent the variations shown in various databases for active pathogenic HBV strains. Where an HBV variant comprises an amino acid different to what is represented, then such an isolate is considered a putative HBV variant having an altered DNA polymerase activity.

[0283] The present invention further contemplates agents which inhibit FAM- and/or LAM-resistant HBV variants. Such agents will be particularly useful if long term treatment by FAM and/or LAM and/or optionally other nucleoside analogues is contemplated by the clinician. The agents may be DNA or RNA or proteinaceous or non-proteinaceous chemical molecules. Natural product screening such as from plants, coral and microorganisms is also contemplated as a useful potential source of masking agents. The agents may be in isolated form or in the form of a pharmaceutical composition and may be administered sequentially or simultaneously with the nucleoside analogue.

[0284] The present invention contemplates a method for detecting an agent which exhibits inhibitory activity to an HBV with reduced sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM optionally other nucleoside analogues, said method comprising:

[0285] generating a genetic construct comprising a replication competent-effective amount of the genome from said famciclovir resistant HBV contained in or fused to an amount of a baculovirus genome effective to infect cells and then infecting said cells with said construct;

[0286] contacting said cells, before, during and/or after infection, with the agent to be tested;

[0287] culturing said cells for a time and under conditions sufficient for the HBV and optionally the further HBV to replicate, express genetic sequences and/or assemble and/or release virus or virus-like particles if resistant to said agent; and

[0288] subjecting the cells, cell lysates or culture supernatant fluid to viral- or viral-component-detection means to determine whether or not the virus has replicated, expressed genetic material and/or assembled and/or been released in the presence of FAM and/or LAM.

[0289] In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides a method for detecting an HBV agent which exhibits inhibitory activity to an HBV with reduced sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM and optionally other nucleoside analogues, said method comprising:—

[0290] generating a genetic construct comprising a replication competent-effective amount of the genome from said HBV contained in or fused to an amount of a baculovirus genome effective to infect cells and then infecting said cells with said construct;

[0291] contacting said cells, before, during and/or after infection, with the agent to be tested;

[0292] culturing said cells for a time and under conditions sufficient for the HBV to replicate, express genetic sequences and/or assemble and/or release virus or virus-like particles if resistant to said agent; and

[0293] subjecting the cells, cell lysates or culture supernatant fluid to viral- or viral-component-detection means to determine whether or not the virus has replicated, expressed genetic material and/or assembled and/or been released in the presence of said FAM and/or LAM.

[0294] In a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for detecting an HBV agent which exhibits inhibitory activity to an HBV with reduced sensitivity to FAM and/or LAM and optionally other nucleoside analogues, said method comprising:—

[0295] generating a continuous cell line comprising an infectious copy of the genome of said HBV in a replication competent effective amount such that said infectious HBV genome is stably integrated into said continuous cell line such as but not limited to 2.2.15 or AD;

[0296] contacting said cells with the agent to be tested;

[0297] culturing said cells for a time and under conditions sufficient for the HBV to replicate, express genetic sequences and/or assemble and/or release virus or virus-like particles if resistant to said agent; and

[0298] subjecting the cells, cell lysates or culture supernatant fluid to viral- or viral-component-detection means to determine whether or not the virus has replicated, expressed genetic material and/or assembled and/or been released in the presence of said FAM and/or LAM.

[0299] The present invention further extends to an isolated HBsAg from the HBV variants herein described. More particularly, the present invention provides an HBsAg or a recombinant form thereof or derivative or chemical equivalent thereof. The isolated surface component and, more particularly, isolated surface antigen or its recombinant, derivative or chemical equivalents are useful in the development of biological compositions such as vaccine formulations.

[0300] Accordingly, the present invention contemplates a composition comprising a variant HBV resistant to famciclovir or an HBV surface antigen from said variant HBV or a recombinant or derivative form thereof or its chemical equivalent. The composition may be considered as a biological composition.

[0301] Generally, if an HBV is used, it is first attenuated. The biological composition according to this aspect of the present invention generally further comprises one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or diluents.

[0302] The biological composition may comprise HBsAg or like molecule from one HBV variant or the composition may be a cocktail of HBsAgs or like molecules from a range of FAM- and/or LAM-resistant HBV variants. Similar inclusions apply where the composition comprises an HBV.

[0303] The subject invention extends to kits for assays for variant HBV resistant to FAM and/or LAM. Such kits may, for example, contain the reagents from PCR or other nucleic acid hybridization technology or reagents for immunologically based detection techniques. A particularly useful assay includes the reagents and components required for immobilized oligonucleotide- or oligopeptide-mediated detection systems.

[0304] The present invention further contemplates the use of a variant HBV resistant to FAM and/or LAM wherein said variant comprises a nucleotide mutation in a gene encoding a DNA polymerase resulting in at least one amino acid addition, substitution and/or deletion to said DNA polymerase in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of hepatitis.

[0305] The present invention also provides for the use of the subject HBV variants to screen for anti-viral agents. These anti-viral agents inhibit the virus. The term “inhibit” includes antagonizing or otherwise preventing infection, replication, assembly and/or release or any intermediate step. Preferred anti-viral agents include nucleoside analogues, however, the present invention extends to non-nucleoside molecules.

[0306] Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention contemplates the use of an HBV variant resistant to FAM and/or LAM wherein said variant comprises a nucleotide mutation in a gene encoding a DNA polymerase resulting in at least one amino acid addition, substitution and/or deletion to said DNA polymerase to screen for an anti-viral agent capable of inhibiting said HBV variant.

[0307] The present invention further relates to an HBV variant comprising the mutation S548G or S548C selected following LAM treatment of a patient previously on FAM/HBIG therapy prior to transplantation of the liver. The S548G mutation occurred concurrently with L526M, M550V and Y472Q mutations as detected by sequencing of clones derived from PCR amplified product. A further mutation, S548S/C was detected in an HBV isolated from a patient treated with LAM.

[0308] An assessment of a potential viral variant is important for selection of an appropriate therapeutic protocol. Such an assessment is suitably facilitated with the assistance of a computer programmed with software, which inter alia adds index values (I_(V)) for at least two features associated with the viral variants to provide a potency value (P_(A)) corresponding to the resistance or sensitivity of a viral variant to a particular chemical compound or immunological agent. The I_(V)s can be selected from (a) the ability to exhibit resistance for reduced sensitivity to a particular compound or immunological agent; (b) an altered DNA polymerase from wild-type HBV; (c) an altered surface antigen from wild-type HBV; or (d) morbidity or recovery potential of a patient. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, I_(V)s for such features are stored in a machine-readable storage medium, which is capable of processing the data to provide a P_(A) for a particular viral variant or a biological specimen comprising same.

[0309] Thus, in another aspect, the invention contemplates a computer program product for assessing the likely usefulness of a viral variant or biological sample comprising same for determining an appropriate therapeutic protocol in a subject, said product comprising:

[0310] (1) code that receives as input I_(V)s for at least two features associated with said viral agents or biological sample comprising same, wherein said features are selected from:

[0311] (a) the ability to exhibit resistance for reduced sensitivity to a particular compound or immunological agent;

[0312] (b) an altered DNA polymerase from wild-type HBV;

[0313] (c) an altered surface antigen from wild-type HBV; or

[0314] (d) morbidity or recovery potential of a patient;

[0315] (2) code that adds said I_(V)s to provide a sum corresponding to a P_(V) for said viral variants or biological samples; and

[0316] (3) a computer readable medium that stores the codes.

[0317] In a related aspect, the invention extends to a computer for assessing the likely usefulness of a viral variant or biological sample comprising same in a subject, wherein said computer comprises:

[0318] (1) a machine-readable data storage medium comprising a data storage material encoded with machine-readable data, wherein said machine-readable data comprise I_(V)s for at least two features associated with said viral variant or biological sample; wherein said features are selected from:—

[0319] (a) the ability to exhibit resistance for reduced sensitivity to a particular compound or immunological agent;

[0320] (b) an altered DNA polymerase from wild-type HBV;

[0321] (c) an altered surface antigen from wild-type HBV; or

[0322] (d) morbidity or recovery potential of a patient;

[0323] (2) a working memory for storing instructions for processing said machine-readable data;

[0324] (3) a central-processing unit coupled to said working memory and to said machine-readable data storage medium, for processing said machine readable data to provide a sum of said I_(V)s corresponding to a P_(V) for said compound(s); and

[0325] (4) an output hardware coupled to said central processing unit, for receiving said P_(V).

[0326] A version of these embodiments is presented in FIG. 3, which shows a system 10 including a computer 11 comprising a central processing unit (“CPU”) 20, a working memory 22 which may be, e.g. RAM (random-access memory) or “core” memory, mass storage memory 24 (such as one or more disk drives or CD-ROM drives), one or more cathode-ray tube (“CRT”) display terminals 26, one or more keyboards 28, one or more input lines 30, and one or more output lines 40, all of which are interconnected by a conventional bidirectional system bus 50.

[0327] Input hardware 36, coupled to computer 11 by input lines 30, may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, machine-readable data of this invention may be inputted via the use of a modem or modems 32 connected by a telephone line or dedicated data line 34. Alternatively or additionally, the input hardware 36 may comprise CD. Alternatively, ROM drives or disk drives 24 in conjunction with display terminal 26, keyboard 28 may also be used as an input device.

[0328] Output hardware 46, coupled to computer 11 by output lines 40, may similarly be implemented by conventional devices. By way of example, output hardware 46 may include CRT display terminal 26 for displaying a synthetic polynucleotide sequence or a synthetic polypeptide sequence as described herein. Output hardware might also include a printer 42, so that hard copy output may be produced, or a disk drive 24, to store system output for later use.

[0329] In operation, CPU 20 coordinates the use of the various input and output devices 36,46 coordinates data accesses from mass storage 24 and accesses to and from working memory 22, and determines the sequence of data processing steps. A number of programs may be used to process the machine readable data of this invention. Exemplary programs may use, for example, the following steps:—

[0330] (1) inputting input I_(V)s for at least two features associated with said compound(s), wherein said features are selected from:

[0331] (a) the ability to exhibit resistance for reduced sensitivity to a particular compound or immunological agent;

[0332] (b) an altered DNA polymerase from wild-type HBV;

[0333] (c) an altered surface antigen from wild-type HBV; or

[0334] (d) morbidity or recovery potential of a patient;

[0335] (2) adding the I_(V)s for said features to provide a P_(V) for said compound(s); and

[0336] (3) outputting said P_(V).

[0337]FIG. 4 shows a cross section of a magnetic data storage medium 100 which can be encoded with machine readable data, or set of instructions, for designing a synthetic molecule of the invention, which can be carried out by a system such as system 10 of FIG. 3. Medium 100 can be a conventional floppy diskette or hard disk, having a suitable substrate 101, which may be conventional, and a suitable coating 102, which may be conventional, on one or both sides, containing magnetic domains (not visible) whose polarity or orientation can be altered magnetically. Medium 100 may also have an opening (not shown) for receiving the spindle of a disk drive or other data storage device 24. The magnetic domains of coating 102 of medium 100 are polarised or oriented so as to encode in manner which may be conventional, machine readable data such as that described herein, for execution by a system such as system 10 of FIG. 3.

[0338]FIG. 5 shows a cross section of an optically readable data storage medium 110 which also can be encoded with such a machine-readable data, or set of instructions, for designing a synthetic molecule of the invention, which can be carried out by a system such as system 10 of FIG. 3. Medium 110 can be a conventional compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM) or a rewritable medium such as a magneto-optical disk, which is optically readable and magneto-optically writable. Medium 100 preferably has a suitable substrate 111, which may be conventional, and a suitable coating 112, which may be conventional, usually of one side of substrate 111.

[0339] In the case of CD-ROM, as is well known, coating 112 is reflective and is impressed with a plurality of pits 113 to encode the machine-readable data. The arrangement of pits is read by reflecting laser light off the surface of coating 112. A protective coating 114, which preferably is substantially transparent, is provided on top of coating 112.

[0340] In the case of a magneto-optical disk, as is well known, coating 112 has no pits 113, but has a plurality of magnetic domains whose polarity or orientation can be changed magnetically when heated above a certain temperature, as by a laser (not shown). The orientation of the domains can be read by measuring the polarization of laser light reflected from coating 112. The arrangement of the domains encodes the data as described above.

[0341] The present invention is further described by the following non-limiting Examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Patients and Treatment

[0342] Eight patients who received allogeneic BMT at the Bone Marrow Transplant Center at Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong were studied. They were all treated with FAM for prophylaxis against post-BMT HBV reactivation, as previously reported (23). Briefly, all patients received oral FAM 250 mg three times daily for at least one week (range: 1-12 week) before BMT and then continued for 24 weeks after BMT. FAM levels were increased to 500 mg three times daily in patients presenting with either elevated HBV DNA levels or the initial detection of HBsAg as a marker of HBV reactivation. Two patients were treated with FAM and/or LAM after liver transplantation.

[0343] Hepatitis serology and serum HBV DNA quantitation assay, hepatitis B serological markers, including HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV; by EIA II), anti-hepatitis D virus and anti-HIV, were tested by commercially available enzyme immunoassays (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, Ill., USA). Total hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HbC) was tested by radioimmunoassay (Corab, Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, Ill., USA). Serum HBV DNA was quantitated by the bDNA signal amplification assay (bDNA Quantiplex TM HBV DNA, Chiron, Emeryville, Calif., USA). Serial samples from the same patient were tested within a single run to minimize interassay variation.

EXAMPLE 2 Extraction of HBV DNA from Patient Serum

[0344] Sera from 10 patients at several time points was collected and the HBV DNA extracted. Aliquots of 50 μl of the sera were mixed with 150 μl TE (10 mmol/L Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), 2 mmol/l EDTA), 1% w/v sodium dodecyl sulfate and 1 mg/ml proteinase K and incubated at 55° C. for 30 mins. DNA was deproteinized by phenol/chloroform, precipitated with isopropanol and dissolved in 40 μl nuclease-free water.

EXAMPLE 3 PCR Amplification

[0345] The catalytic domain of the polymerase protein and the “a” determinant of the surface protein were amplified. The first round sense primer (5′GCC TCA TTT T GTG GGT CAC CAT A-3′ [SEQ ID NO: 1]) and the antisense primer (5′-TCT CTG ACA TAC TTT CCA AT-3′ [SEQ ID NO: 2]) were used in the amplification (Bresatec, Adelaide, Australia). Each reaction was carried out using 5 μl of the extracted DNA as template, 1.5 U of Taq polymerase (Perkin Elmer Cetus, Norwalk, Conn.), 1 μmol/l of sense and antisense primers, 200 μmol/l Tris-HCl (pH 8.3) and 0.01% w/v gelatin. PCR was performed by 40 cycles of denaturation (94° C. for 45 sec), annealing (55° C. for 45 sec) and extension (72° C. for 1.5 min), followed by a final extension of 7 min (Perkin-Elmer 2400, Cetus, Norwalk, Conn.). A further hemi-nested round of amplification was performed if required, using 2 μl of first round product as template and primer 5′ CAC AAC AAT CCA CCA AGC T3′ [SEQ ID NO: 3] as the sense primer. The amplification conditions were the same as the initial round of amplification, with only 25 rounds of cycling.

EXAMPLE 4 Sequencing of the Polymerase/Envelope Genes of HBV DNA

[0346] Amplified products were gel purified using Geneclean II (BIO 101 Inc., La Jolla, Calif.) and were directly sequenced using the ABI Prism Big Dye Terminator Cycle Sequencing Ready Reaction Kit according to the Manufacturer's specifications (Perkin Elmer, Cetus Norwalk, Conn.). The PCR primers were used as sequencing primers as well as several additional primers (5′-AAA TTC GCA GTC CCC AAC-3 [SEQ ID NO: 4]′, 5′-TCT CTG ACA TAC TTT CCA AT-3′ [SEQ ID NO: 5] and 5′-GAT TCC CTC CTG TTG CTG T-3′ [SEQ ID NO: 6]) required to sequence the internal regions of the PCR products. MacVector and Assembly LIGN (MacVector version 6.0 and Assembly LIGN, Oxford Molecular, UK) were used to analyze all automatic sequence data. The deduced amino acid sequences were compared to the individual pretreatment isolate using the subprogram clustal W and to published HBV polymerase consensus sequence and HBsAg sequences (38-40).

EXAMPLE 5 HBV Polymerase Mutations

[0347] In this study, the dominant HBV variants selected after BMT and FCV treatment were examined by sequencing of the analytic region of the polymerase gene and the “a” determinant of the HBsAg. A number of deduced amino acid changes were detected in the catalytic region of the gene encoding the HBV polymerase, however, the majority of these changes were consistent with the changes normally found within HBV genotypes. The unique HBV mutations detected during treatment are listed in Table 1. In six out of eight patients, a mutation was detected in the polymerase at amino acid 584, in which a tyrosine, or alanine, or serine/isoleucine (mixed population) was detected (Table 1). In four out of eight patients, this mutation was detected during FAM treatment and in the remaining two patients, the mutation was detected prior to treatment. This amino acid change occurred after the termination codon of HBsAg in the overlapping reading frame. The other deduced amino acid changes which were detected in isolates from multiple patients included changes at amino acid 471, 474, 485 and 499. These changes were located in the region between the A and B domains and overlaps the “a” determinant of the HBsAg. One change was detected in the B domain of the polymerase at F524F/L. No unique mutations were detected in domain C which contains the “YMDD” motif. Changes which do not affect the HBsAg and only affect the polymerase include Q471K, T474A, L478L/M, F524F/L and I533I/V (Table 1).

[0348] In two out of two liver transplantation patients, a mutation at codon 548 was detected. The S548G mutation occurred concurrently with L526M, M550V and Y472Q mutations as detected by sequencing of clones derived from PCR amplified product. A further mutation, G548S/C was detected in an HBV isolated from a patient treated with LAM.

EXAMPLE 6 HBsAg Mutations

[0349] A number of changes were detected in the gene encoding the HBsAg, however, the majority of these changes were consistent with changes in the HBV genotype. Unique mutations which alter both the HBsAg and the polymerase are listed in Table 1 and other mutations which alter the HBsAg only are listed in Table 2. The HBsAg changes detected at 133, 139, 145 and 182 are variants which are not detected in other genotypes (39, 40). In two patients, a G145R mutation was detected after BMT and FAM treatment. In one of these patients, it was detected as a mixed population containing wild-type virus and virus with a truncated HBsAg due to a termination codon. Two mutations resulting in a truncated HBsAg were detected in two other patients. These termination codons were found at amino acid 182 and 216 (Tables 1 and 2).

EXAMPLE 7 Cloning of PCR Products

[0350] The PCR products from either first or second round PCR amplification were purified using Geneclean (Bio 101 Inc., La Jolla, Calif.) and cloned into pCR script (Stratagene) according to the Manufacturer's specifications. TABLE 1 HBV polymerase mutations and changes in the overlapping reading frame of HBsAg H9LBV polymerase AA change mutation Isolate in the HBsAg Q471K A-3, 4, 5; D-1, 2, 3; F-3 no change Q471N Y472Q SS T1184 T474A C-2; D-1, 2; E-5 no change L478L/M E-6 no change N485H A-3, 4, 5; B-1, 2; D-4 N131T Y487Y/STOP C-6 M133K/M V/G/E48 8L B1 ,2 M1331* L493L/W A-4 C139C/G* F524F/L E-6 no change 15331/V E-5 no change V5371 E-9 Wi 82/STOP S548G 55 no change S548S/C MS no change N/S/H584T A-2; B-3; E-4; after HBsAg STOP H-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 N/S/H584A C-1, 3, 4, 5, 6 H584S/J D-5 R588R/S B-4 after HBsAg STOP 1599A F-10 after HBsAg STOP

[0351] TABLE 2 Changes in the HBsAg which do not alter the HBV polymerase protein HBsAg Isolate Y225F A3, 4, 5; D-4; F-3 Q181E C-1 Ql81G C-2, 3, 4, 5 Q181Q/G C-6 S210K C1, 3, 4, 5 L216STOP C1, C6 L216L/STOP C, 3, 4, 5 S117T IE-9 L175L/S E-6

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1. An isolated HBV variant comprising a mutation in an overlapping open reading frame in its genome wherein said mutation is in a region defined by one or more of domains F and A through E of HBV DNA polymerase provided that it is not in the YMDD motif of the C domain alone; and/or in the overlapping region corresponding to amino acids 67-226 of HBV surface antigen and wherein said variant exhibits one or both of decreased sensitivity to a nucleotide analogue and/or decreased interactivity to immunological reagents specific to HBV surface antigens.
 2. The HBV variant of claim 1 wherein the variants are selected from bone marrow transplant patients following HBV reactivation and famciclovir treatment and patients with HBV recurrence following famciclovir and HBIG treatment.
 3. The HBV variant of claim 1 or 2 wherein the variant comprises a mutation in the HBV DNA polymerase selected from one or more of Q471K, Q471N, Y472Q, T474A, L478L/M, N485H, Y487Y/STOP, V/G/E488L, L493L/W, F524F/L, I533I/V, V537I, S548G, S548S/C, N/S/H584T, N/S/H584A, H584S/I, R588R/S and I599A.
 4. The HBV variant of claim 1 or 2 wherein the variant comprises a mutation in the HBV envelop protein selected from one or more of T118R, N131T, M133K/M, M133I, C139C/G and W182/STOP, Y225F, Q181E, Q181G, Q181Q/G, S210K, L216STOP, S117T and L175L/S.
 5. A method for determining the potential for an HBV to exhibit reduced sensitivity to a nucleoside analogue, said method comprising isolating DNA or corresponding mRNA from said HBV and screening for a mutation in the nucleotide sequence encoding HBV DNA polymerase resulting in at least one amino acid substitution, deletion and/or addition in any one or more of domains F and A through E or a region proximal thereto of said DNA polymerase, said mutation being selected from Q471K, Q471N, Y472Q, T474A, L478L/M, N485H, Y487Y/STOP, V/G/E488L, L493L/W, F524F/L, I533I/V, V537I, S548G, S548S/C, N/S/H584T, N/S/H584A, H584S/I, R588R/S and I599A wherein the presence of such a mutation is an indication of the likelihood of resistance to said nucleoside analogue.
 6. A method for determining the potential for an HBV to exhibit reduced interactivity to antibody to HBV surface antigen, said method comprising isolating DNA or corresponding mRNA from said HBV and screening for a mutation in the nucleotide sequence encoding HBV surface antigen resulting in at least one amino acid substitution, deletion and/or addition in amino acids 67 to 226 of said surface antigen or a region proximal thereto of said surface antigen, said mutation being selected from T118R, N131T, M133K/M, M133I, C139C/G and W182/STOP, Y225F, Q181E, Q181G, Q181Q/GS210K, L216STOP, S117T and L175L/S wherein the presence of such a mutation is an indication of the likelihood of reducing interactivity of said antibodies to said mutated surface antigen.
 7. An isolated variant HBV surface antigen or a recombinant or derivative form thereof or a chemical equivalent thereof wherein said surface antigen or its recombinant or derivative form or its chemical equivalent exhibits an altered immunological profile compared to a surface antigen from a reference HBV, said surface antigen comprising a mutation selected from T118R, N131T, M133K/M, M133I, C139C/G and W182/STOP, Y225F, Q181E, Q181G, Q181Q/G, S210K, L216STOP, S117T and L175L/S.
 8. The variant HBV surface antigen of claim 7 wherein the variant wherein a neutralizing antibody directed to a reference HBV exhibits no or reduced neutralising activity to an HBV carrying said variant HBV surface antigen.
 9. An HBV vaccine comprising the variant HBV surface antigen of claim 7 or
 8. 10. A computer program product for assessing the likely usefulness of a variant of HBV as an appropriate therapeutic protocol in a subject, said product comprising: (1) code that receives as input index values (I_(V)s) for at least two features associated with said viral variant, wherein said features are selected from two or more of: (a) the ability to exhibit resistance for reduced sensitivity to a particular compound or immunological agent; (b) an altered DNA polymerase from wild-type HBV having a mutation selected from Q471K, Q471N, Y472Q, T474A, L478L/M, N485H, Y487Y/STOP, V/G/E488L, L493L/W, F524F/L, I533I/V, V537I, S548G, S548S/C, N/S/H584T, N/S/H584A, H584S/I, R588R/S and I599A; (c) an altered surface antigen from wild-type HBV having a mutation selected from T118R, N131T, M133K/M, M133I, C139C/G and W182/STOP, Y225F, Q181E, Q181G, Q181Q/G, S210K, L216STOP, S117T and L175L/S; and/or (d) morbidity or recovery potential of a patient; (2) code that adds said I_(V)S to provide a sum corresponding to a P_(V) for said HBV variant; and (3) a computer readable medium that stores the codes.
 11. A computer for assessing the likely usefulness of a variant of HBV, wherein said computer comprises: (1) a machine-readable data storage medium comprising a data storage material encoded with machine-readable data, wherein said machine-readable data comprise I_(V)s for at least two features associated with said HBV variant; wherein said features are selected from: (a) the ability to exhibit resistance for reduced sensitivity to a particular compound or immunological agent; (b) an altered DNA polymerase from wild-type HBV having a mutation selected from Q471K, Q471N, Y472Q, T474A, L478L/M, N485H, Y487Y/STOP, V/G/E488L, L493L/W, F524F/L, I533I/V, V537I, S548G, S548S/C, N/S/H584T, N/S/H584A, H584S/I, R588R/S and I599A; (c) an altered surface antigen from wild-type HBV having a mutation selected from T118R, N131T, M133K/M, M133I, C139C/G and W182/STOP, Y225F, Q181E, Q181G, Q181Q/G, S210K, L216STOP, S117T and L175L/S; and/or (d) morbidity or recovery potential of a patient; (2) a working memory for storing instructions for processing said machine-readable data; (3) a central-processing unit coupled to said working memory and to said machine-readable data storage medium, for processing said machine readable data to provide a sum of said I_(V)s corresponding to a P_(V) for said compound(s); and (4) an output hardware coupled to said central processing unit, for receiving said P_(V). 